{"id":3205,"date":"2024-06-19T16:10:27","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T20:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/?page_id=3205"},"modified":"2024-07-15T08:59:23","modified_gmt":"2024-07-15T12:59:23","slug":"may-2024-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/?page_id=3205","title":{"rendered":"May 2024 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Coastal Haiti Mission Newsletter<\/h1>\n

\u00a0May 2024<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

– THE COUPLING –<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Word hit the town like an unexpected blast. Made its way from ear to ear. A
\nprophecy it was, indeed: God was going to give Jericho to the Israelites. Now
\nthere was a prostitute named Rahab living in Jericho who believed the foreboding
\nmessage. Oh, she had her doubts, I suppose, but on the other hand, what if it was
\ntrue? She\u2019d made her choice: She would believe the prophetic Word. And she
\nknew you didn\u2019t mess around with Israel\u2019s God \u2014 Yaweh!<\/p>\n

Now Joshua (Yehoshua), an Ephraimite, military leader, and successor to Moses,
\nsent two spies on a covert mission to scout out Jericho. Once there, they planned
\nto lodge at the house of Rahab. ( I guess two men seen approaching the home of
\na harlot would not raise suspicions about what their mission was.)<\/p>\n

A knock on Rahab\u2019s door. Two men, and she knew they were military. Israeli
\nmilitary! How could she advance her cause to be rescued from the calamity to
\ncome? She knew the spies\u2019 lives were in danger. And Rahab was no fool. She had
\nleverage, and she knew that opportunity was also knocking at her door. She
\noffered to hide out the spies beneath the stalks of flax on her flat rooftop if they
\nagreed to rescue her and her family from the coming destruction. They agreed.<\/p>\n

Night time. Another knock on the door. This time agents from the king of Jericho
\nwho\u2019d been informed about the arrival of the spies. Had she seen them?<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Yes, she said, two men came to me, but I did not know from<\/em>
\nwhere they came: Where they went I do not know. Pursue them quickly, for you<\/em>
\nwill overtake them<\/em>.\u201d (Joshua 2:4b & 5 TAB)<\/p>\n

When the king\u2019s men left, Rahab went up to the rooftop to do business with
\nJoshua\u2019s spies. She wanted to tie up any loose ends, make sure the spies would
\nnot renege on the promise they\u2019d made earlier.<\/p>\n

And so the day came. Jericho would be destroyed \u2013 except for one household; that<\/p>\n

of Rahab the prostitute whose house was built into the wall. Now Joshua was a
\nman of his word. A promise had been made by his men and would be honored,
\neven in the heat of battle.,<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Go into the harlot\u2019s house,\u201d he ordered the two men who\u2019d spied out the land,<\/em>
\n\u201cand bring out the woman and all she has, as you swore to her<\/em>.\u201d (Joshua 6:22
\nTAB)<\/p>\n

Imagine the relief and joy in Rahab\u2019s household when Joshua\u2019s men entered her
\nhome on their rescue mission!<\/p>\n

The town was encompassed seven times by the Israelites, led by Joshua\u2019s men.
\nThe trumpets were blown. The people shouted. And the great wall of Jericho fell.<\/p>\n

SAVED THAT DAY: Rahab, her father, her mother, her brethren, and all her
\nkindred. Rahab went to live in Israel. She married there and became the mother of
\nBoaz, the husband of Ruth, and the great-grandmother of King David. According
\nto Matthews genealogy listed in the first chapter of Matthew, she was one of four
\nwoman mentioned in the family tree of Jesus Christ. The author of the book of
\nHebrews in the New Testament referred to her as a woman of great faith
\n(Chapter 11, verse 31) a shining example! (Yes, I know she out-and-outright lied
\nto the authorities, and I\u2019m not even going to try to explain that one!)
\n—————————————————————————————————-<\/p>\n

Rahab was saved by faith. Let\u2019s identify that faith. Rahab BELIEVED the
\nprophesy that God was going to give Jericho to the Israelites. And, so, in response
\nto what she believed, she SHOWED KINDNESS AND HID JOSHUA\u2019S SPIES,
\nthereby saving their lives.<\/p>\n

Did her BELIEF save her? NO \u2013 She could have believed the prophecy with all
\nher heart, but refused to help the spies. And nothing would have changed her life
\nfor the better. What saved her was HIDING OUT THE SPIES. It was a wonderful
\ncoupling of faith in believing and works, a joining together. It was her ACTION in
\nresponse to what she BELIEVED that saved her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe same with Rahab, the Jericho harlet. Wasn\u2019t her action in hiding<\/em>
\nGod\u2019s spies and helping them escape \u2013 that seamless unity of believing<\/em>
\nand doing \u2013 what counted with God? The very moment you separate<\/em>
\nbody and spirit you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and<\/em><\/p>\n

you get the same thing: a corpse<\/em>.\u201d (James 2:26 The Message)<\/p>\n

Faith alive through belief and good works. My brothers and sisters, let us be
\nintentional Christians. Let us recognize the good works that God has planned
\nbeforehand for us to do. (Eph. 2:10) The foundation has already been laid:
\nJesus Christ. We are building upon that foundation via our works , good or bad.
\nGold, silver, precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw. Good quality works will be
\nrewarded. Bad quality \u2013 burned. (But the builder, if a follower of Christ, will still
\nbe saved. As you know, we are not saved by works, but by surrendering our lives
\nto our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.)<\/p>\n

This is not a dress rehearsal, nor a \u201cdry run.\u201d The next time you reach out to
\nperform a good work \u2013 maybe a handout to someone down and out, maybe a
\nsmile to someone in the supermarket checkout line, maybe a comforting act for
\none who is bereaved, mow someone\u2019s lawn, shovel snow, or, well you\u2019ll know
\nwhat to do, you will be coupling FAITH with WORKS and you will be pleasing
\nour Lord! It\u2019s OK to be excited! This stuff can change your life and the lives of
\nyour children.<\/p>\n

Walking this Way with you,
\nConnie<\/p>\n

The End of the School Year Activities<\/strong>
\nPastor Coty Writes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

In our village, people can swim only when there is a big rain. But we know our<\/strong>
\nschool kids really enjoy swimming. This year, the weather is extremely hot.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We were able to take some of the school kids to the ocean for a day, to have a<\/strong>
\ngood time together.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I wish I could send you a video showing this message, because you would<\/strong>
\nbetter understand the joy of these kids, for this day at the beach.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We gave them a first meal (spaghetti) right before we were to leave. Some of<\/strong>
\nthe kids explained that they could not eat, because they were too excited.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When we got to the beach, the students played as many kinds of games that<\/strong>
\nthey could remember or imagine. They jumped rope, played soccer and many<\/strong>
\nother games that they could remember or create.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The best part of the trip was the ocean part. We had to force the kids to leave<\/strong>
\nthe water, because otherwise, they would have stayed in it all day long. Then<\/strong>
\nwe gave them another meal before we traveled back home. We thanked God a<\/strong>
\nlot, for His protection. I was very concerned about the safety, of these<\/strong>
\nchildren, but God made everything go very well.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Making memories<\/strong><\/p>\n

Life in the Village<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pastor Coty Writes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many times, I describe the life of the people in the village by what they do,<\/strong>
\nand sometimes, by what their lifestyle is. Today, I want to point out something<\/strong>
\nelse in their lifestyle. It’s about one of their distractions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some years ago, we used to have rain on a regular basis. That is when the<\/strong>
\nvillage people were able to grow a significant amount of food from their own<\/strong>
\ngardens.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But, in these later years, we do not get rain as often. That is one of the reasons<\/strong>
\nwhy we have not been having good gardens. This is also the reason why the<\/strong>
\nrivers are drying up<\/strong><\/p>\n

But when occasionally we get a sizable rainstorm, so that there is water in the<\/strong>
\nriver, it brings tremendous joy to the young people and even to some of the<\/strong>
\nkids. That is when they go swimming in the river.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After school a group of them get together and go swimming in the river.<\/strong>
\nThere are always some members of this group, who use this opportunity to<\/strong>
\nteach others how to swim, and also, how to fight in the sand by the river. Only<\/strong>
\nsome people in the village get this opportunity to learn how to swim.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As for me and my brothers, we never learned how to swim. The reason for<\/strong>
\nthis is because our parents would never let us swim in the river. There is only<\/strong>
\none of us that can swim, and that is because he was the one that always<\/strong>
\ndisobeyed our Father.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Great fun<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Home Lighting Project<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pastor Coty Writes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lighting dark homes is our mission.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are some people who live in the village, where only someone who really<\/strong>
\nknows the village layout extremely well, is able to find the location where they<\/strong>
\nlive.\u00a0 I was glad to go to this man\u2019s house.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He is a good beneficiary and a grateful user of the light that we supplied him<\/strong>
\nwith. According to his statement, \u201cthe light has greatly improved my life, and<\/strong>
\nmade life much easier for me\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He lives in this hard to find place with his nephew.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The light enables his nephew to study his school lessons at night.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Imagine living in this remote place without a light!!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Food for the Needy Program<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pastor Coty Writes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some people in this program just receive some rice, but for other people, we<\/strong>
\nalways feel the need to provide more help for them.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This lady is living by herself in her home. Occasionally, some relative may go<\/strong>
\nby and give her something, but this does not happen very often. So, for people<\/strong>
\nlike her, we do more.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For example, after giving her the rice,\u00a0we also give her some money, but we do<\/strong>
\nthis confidentially, so other people are unaware that we are providing this<\/strong>
\nfinancial assistance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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It was very cool when she showed me the kind of leaf (weed) that she will mix<\/strong>
\nthe rice. Even though rice and beans is the Haitian special food, beans are so<\/strong>
\nexpensive that the country people find some kind of leaves that they mix with<\/strong>
\nthe rice instead of beans.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Thank you Pastor Coty for having a kind heart.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Saturday Sunday School<\/strong>
\nPastor Coty Writes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

In summertime, like it is now, it is always better to meet under the mango tree,<\/strong>
\nbecause it is extremely hot inside a building.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is always a joy to see the kids coming from every corner in the village to this<\/strong>
\nclass. We have different generations of kids receiving good instructions in this<\/strong>
\nspecial class.<\/strong>
\nBecause of this class, held in our village, the children know the bible much<\/strong>
\nmore than their parents.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Peacefully sitting and listening to the teaching, knowing that after the<\/strong>
\nteaching, there will be a distribution of something good to eat. This is a very<\/strong>
\ngood strategy to instruct the kids.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you to you, our supporters, for providing the incentive to come to class.<\/strong>
\nPastor Coty Joseph<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It is much cooler under the Mango tree.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Drought Resistant Gardening Program<\/strong><\/p>\n

Daisee Kangas Writes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Working with the Solidarity Gardeners has been a real blessing to me.\u00a0 Not<\/strong>
\nonly have they worked very hard planting and harvesting but they have also<\/strong>
\nshown their great generosity in giving tithe and teaching the students at the<\/strong>
\nschool.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recently, a faithful contributor to CHM brought to our attention a non- profit<\/strong>
\nthat provides and plants trees in Haiti and other countries.\u00a0 Their website was<\/strong>
\na wealth of information and got me to seriously consider how important tree<\/strong>
\nplanting is for our Solidarity Gardeners.\u00a0 In their words, “If you plant a tree,<\/strong><\/p>\n

it will produce food for 50-100 years.” I then began to research how to plant<\/strong>
\nsome of the trees that would be beneficial.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cashews are in season right now in Haiti and they are very easy to plant. They<\/strong>
\nwill also start producing fruit within 3 years.\u00a0 I spoke with Jeff and Yamoutch<\/strong>
\nand they have already begun the planting.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are now deciding on what to do next as some species will be more<\/strong>
\ncomplicated than just planting a seed.\u00a0 The goal is to plant an abundance of<\/strong>
\ntrees in Cahess and turn this community into a food forest.\u00a0 Creating an<\/strong>
\nabundance of food for eating and selling at market.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you for your prayers and support. Working with the Solidarity<\/strong>
\nGardeners gives me and them hope for the future.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Daisee Kangas<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Planting Cashew Trees<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A sprouting cashew tree<\/strong><\/p>\n

Proverbs 19:17 ESV<\/strong><\/span>
\nWhoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for<\/strong><\/span>
\nhis deed.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A blessing for you from the scripture:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2 Thessalonians 3: 16<\/strong><\/span>
\nNow may the Lord of peace himself<\/strong><\/span>
\ngive you his peace at all times and in<\/strong><\/span>
\nevery situation. The Lord be with you all.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you, Family and Friends of Coastal Haiti Mission, for all that you do to<\/strong>
\nhelp the people in Cahess, Haiti. You are making a huge difference for these<\/strong>
\npeople.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Please remember, that CHM must continue to send our monthly commitment<\/strong>
\nof $1700 to carry on the ongoing CHM ministry in Cahess. This is in addition<\/strong>
\nto the cost of the School Lunch Program.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you desire to help, please send your tax-deductible check to our address and<\/strong>
\ntell us how you want us to use your donation:<\/strong>
\nCoastal Haiti Mission<\/strong>
\nC\/O Constance Goddard<\/strong>
\n3048 Spring Fancy Lane<\/strong>
\nIndian Trail, NC 28079<\/strong><\/p>\n

Or For tax deductible \u201conline donations\u201d, please use our PayPal service. Also <\/strong><\/p>\n

please designate how you want us to use your donation.<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n
\n
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 <\/p>\n

May the Lord our God, who knows your heart and sees your actions, grant you <\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

great joy as you serve Him.\u00a0 Connie, Esther, Pastor Coty, Carl, Dan, and Ken are<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

very grateful for your sacrifice.<\/u><\/em><\/strong> Ken Johansson CHM Newsletter Editor<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Coastal Haiti Mission Newsletter \u00a0May 2024   – THE COUPLING –   The Word hit the town like an unexpected blast. Made its way from ear to ear. A prophecy it was, indeed: God was going to give Jericho to the Israelites. Now there was a prostitute named Rahab living in Jericho who believed the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":30,"menu_order":898,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3205","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3205","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3205"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3205\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3267,"href":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3205\/revisions\/3267"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastalhaitimission.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3205"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}